VA Diagnostic Code 5260Leg, limitation of flexion of:
Rated from 0% to 30% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 30%
Flexion limited to 15°
- 20%
Flexion limited to 30°
- 10%
Flexion limited to 45°
- 0%
Flexion limited to 60°
Leg, Limitation of Flexion (Diagnostic Code 5260)
Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a
Understanding This Condition
"Limitation of flexion of the leg" refers to a reduced ability to bend the knee. Flexion is the motion that occurs when you bend your leg — for example, bringing your heel back toward the back of your thigh. When an injury or condition restricts how far you can bend the knee, the VA measures that restriction in degrees to determine a disability rating.
Under Diagnostic Code 5260, the VA assigns a rating based on how limited your knee flexion is. The more restricted the motion, the higher the rating level.
Available Rating Levels
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 30% | Flexion limited to 15° |
| 20% | Flexion limited to 30° |
| 10% | Flexion limited to 45° |
| 0% | Flexion limited to 60° |
A smaller degree of flexion indicates a greater restriction in the knee's ability to bend, which corresponds to a higher rating. For instance, flexion limited to 15° reflects more significant limitation than flexion limited to 60°.
What the VA Looks For
When rating limitation of flexion of the leg under this code, the VA focuses on measured range of motion — specifically, the degree to which knee flexion is limited. The rating you may receive depends on which of the measured thresholds your condition most closely matches:
- Flexion limited to 15° aligns with a 30% rating.
- Flexion limited to 30° aligns with a 20% rating.
- Flexion limited to 45° aligns with a 10% rating.
- Flexion limited to 60° aligns with a 0% rating.
Because ratings under this code are tied to specific degrees of motion, documentation of your knee's flexion measurements is central to how the condition is evaluated.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the rating criteria set out in 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5260. It is not legal advice, and individual rating decisions depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5260. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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